Hold on to your seats, because “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One” just unveiled an adrenaline-pumping trailer that’s sure to thrill fans. Hitting Philippine cinemas on July 12, the latest installment in the beloved franchise stars Tom Cruise, who returns as Ethan Hunt to take on yet another perilous mission.
Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Tom Cruise Production, a film directed by Christopher McQuarrie that brings the iconic television series created by Bruce Geller to life. Produced by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, with executive producers David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Tommy Gormley, this action-packed film promises non-stop excitement.
Joining Tom Cruise on this daring adventure are Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis, and Frederick Schmidt. With an all-star cast like this, there’s no doubt that “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One” will deliver high-stakes action and heart-stopping moments.
So, mark your calendars and gear up for the action-packed cinematic experience of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One,” exploding onto Philippine screens this July 12th!
I actually haven’t seen any of the films in the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise since the first movie, and the second half of the second movie when it was playing on the tv of a meeting room I was in that I was waiting to start. I know nothing outside of the franchise’s origins other than who was starring in it when the trailers would play in the cinemas or on YouTube. So coming into ‘Fast X’ was a little intimidating, knowing that it is the finale of the franchise, the tenth overall (eleventh if you count the spinoff ‘Fast and Furious presents: Hobbs & Shaw’) and that there might be things that I was going to miss out in the experience.
But I had nothing to fear. With only having seen the first movie, half of the second movie, and seeing the trailers of the various other installments, I was quickly able to catch up as the story unfolds: Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel) appears to be settling down with his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and his son, Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), with his crew taking on a mission without him but someone from his past (namely a retelling of events from ‘Fast Five’ with new material shot and mixed with archived footage that includes the late Paul Walker to include him into the finale) has come back to threaten Dominic and the things he most cares about, his family.
As a finale, ‘Fast X’ goes personal as Jason Momoa’s Dante Reyes is out for revenge against Dominic and his team. He lost everything to Dominic and he’s out for payback, and in the grandest way possible. The agency gets mixed up, the team is split apart, and everyone is scrambling to gather together as “lines are drawn” and people are “forced to choose a side” as it is stated and everyone and anyone who played a major part in the franchise is either mentioned or referred to or makes an appearance.
Fast X, directed by Louis Leterrier.
As someone who was very dismissive of the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise, I actually had a lot of fun in ‘Fast X.’ So much fun that I’m willing to go and search out ‘The Fate of the Furious’ and ‘F9’ just to see Charlize Theron’s earlier installments. ‘Fast X’ is the kind of campy big budget action film that doesn’t sweat the details. During all the complicated car chases around various cities in the film, there’s a whole lot of property damage but somehow all the pedestrians manage to get out unscathed from the explosions and the stuff. The bad guys and maybe some policemen, on the other hand, never make it. The good guys, though, always do. It’s the kind of film where the laws of physics don’t really work out realistically and the good guys can manage to swing large, heavy building parts that are strapped to speeding cars by doing drifts and hitting their target as if they’ve been practicing this all their lives.
Vin Diesel is Dom in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
There is a brainlessness that’s fun in ‘Fast X.’ I’m never actually worried about any of them because the film talks a lot about the risks and the dangers but everything moves in clockwork and even the dialogue tells us what’s happening and reminds us that Vin Diesel’s Dominic Torreto is so cool. In fact, Jason Momoa’s Dante Reyes, who hates Dominic so much, is throwing compliments at him left and right. It almost feels like it was placed on the script to help Vin Diesel look cool.
Jason Momoa is Dante in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Because, unfortunately, the most bland thing about the movie is Vin Diesel. In an effort to look cool at all times, his character ends up becoming uninteresting. Instead, I’m enjoying watching everybody else when they get a turn – every time Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron are in a scene, it ends up becoming explosive; Ludacris and Nathalie Emmanuel are charming (not so much Tyrese Gibson, who oversells what feels like the typical ‘dumb but arrogant character’ that Roman is written as); even Brie Larson and Alan Ritchson, who both make their debut in the franchise, gets the whole tone of the film and has fun with it – and trust me, they all get a turn to do something cool or crazy.
But the one who is eating up the scenery is Jason Momoa, who is approaching his Dante Reyes with so much gusto that it goes overboard. I honestly don’t know if I like the performance or not. It feels so cartoon-y and way over the top, even for this movie, that he feels like he doesn’t belong in this film. And for some reason, as much as I can stand it, I think it works. It goes against everything that the ‘Fast and the Furious’ is all about. Momoa was allowed to play against type, balancing masculine and feminine gestures, and treating this like the campy 60s ‘Batman’ tv show with Adam West. It’s definitely a choice it allows him to not get swallowed up by everything else the movie throws at us.
Because with its reported huge budget, you are sure that ‘Fast X’ offers tons of action, tons of crazy car chases and car stunts, and a whole lot of explosions. The cast alone is explosive enough with a whole bunch of Oscar winners that was actually quite surprising like Larson, Theron, and even Helen Mirren (reprising her role as Queenie).
FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Strange to be coming back into the franchise at its finale. But the way these movies are made and how they were meant to be enjoyed means that I didn’t miss much to still be able to enjoy what I got. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of details and inside jokes I’m missing but I still managed to enjoy myself. From what I’ve read, this finale is going to be in three parts, with ‘Fast X’ being the first of a trilogy that signals the end of the franchise. The film ends with a cliffhanger and some end credit surprises that I’m sure will get cheers and maybe even raised eyebrows from fans of the series. But as someone who is very late to the party, I don’t mind jumping in for the last two if it’s as fun and as light and easy as ‘Fast X.’
My Rating:
FAST Xis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your ticketshere
It’s that time of the week again! Another exciting week as a new batch of movies hits theaters this week. From spine-chilling horror to heartwarming romance, there’s a story for everyone. We’ll also take a quick detour to revisit the crowd-pleasers that are still delighting audiences in theaters. Buckle up, movie buffs – it’s going to be a wild ride! Let’s speed into the weekly roundup of new movies opening this week.
True to its name, this film promises to be a high-octane thrill ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Can’t get enough of that need for speed? Then this might just be your ticket to adrenaline heaven.
Vin Diesel is Dom in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.
This delightful dramedy hits all the right notes, serving a slice of life with a side of laughter and a dash of drama. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Richardson, Reggie and Melvin have have been friends for many years despite working in different fields. They decided to go on a vacation, finding themselves in hilarious situations, but at the same time, they are able to address some family issues. Everything’s going perfectly well until the night Reggie collapses. And then it all comes crashing down.
For mystery enthusiasts, the “Detective Conan: TV Compilation – Mystery Train” might just be the ticket. This gripping compilation will make your hair stand on end as you join Conan in untangling the web of intrigue aboard the Mystery Train. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey? Shiho Miyano, a scientist from the Black Organization, develops the Apotoxin 4869, a drug that turns Shinichi Kudo into a child. When Shiho learns of her sister’s murder by the Organization, she defects, taking the drug herself. Now, as Ai Haibara, she must evade her pursuers. This spin-off features beloved episodes such as “Reunion with the Black Organization”, “The Mysterious Passenger”, and “The Jet-Black Mystery Train”, leading to a nail-biting climax. Will Ai Haibara survive the explosive confrontation? Find out in this thrilling saga, continuing to “The Black Iron Submarine”.
A man becomes determined to protect his family from a dark cult whose members come in the guise of perfect tenants.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
If you missed them the first time around, fear not! You can still catch some of the most popular films of recent weeks. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in theaters:
That’s a wrap for this week’s movie guide. From new releases to ongoing hits, there’s a movie for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle into your seat, and let the magic of the movies sweep you away!
Action icon Wu Jing has been very busy. Internationally acclaimed actor, director, and martial artist Wu Jing (“Wolf Warrior,” “Shaolin”) has been keeping himself quite occupied. As the month unfolds, this dynamic talent from China will grace the big screens once more in the prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster, “The Wandering Earth.”
Baffling, isn’t it? How could Wu Jing return, given the ultimate destiny of his character in the original movie? Director Frant Gwo, through his ingenious creativity, found the perfect solution. “Wu provided us with a lot of selfless help in the first installment,” said Gwo in an interview with China.org.cn. “I wanted to show gratitude to him, but I didn’t want to write some unconvincing plot about his resurrection. So, I said, let’s do a prequel.”
Eager for a sneak peek? Catch the trailer for “The Wandering Earth II” right here:
In a conversation with Global Times promoting the first film, Jing expressed his hope that “The Wandering Earth” would ignite the spark of science in young minds. Being a father himself, it’s no wonder that Jing eagerly agreed to be a part of the prequel.
In “The Wandering Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in cinemas in the Philippines on May 31, also stars international star Andy Lau.
Aside from this much-anticipated prequel, Jing will captivate fans in another eagerly-awaited sequel, “Meg 2: The Trench,” hitting the cinemas on August 2.
Helmed by Frant Gwo and co-scripted by Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” – the prequel to the acclaimed “The Wandering Earth” – brings to life the narrative envisioned by author Liu Cixin.
The film showcases a stellar ensemble cast featuring Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi, and Zhu Yanmanzi.
Set to premiere on May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.
This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel ‘Ciudad’ by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.
About Netflix:
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with 233 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.
With many emerging food trends in the ever-growing dining scene, Filipinos are exposed to a variety of choices when it comes to food. A lot are curious to try dishes beyond their usual go-to’s. But when it comes to fried chicken, nothing beats the tried and tested, deliciously satisfying Jollibee Chickenjoy that generations have grown to love and have enjoyed with their families over the years.
Chickenjoy is the top choice for multimedia superstar Anne Curtis, as she gives it a 5-star rating in the number one fast food chain’s new ad.
She’s also joined by several Philippine icons in the food scene like Chef Rolando Laudico who praises Chickenjoy’s crispy flavorful skin, food vlogger Jujumao who loves its juicy and tender meat, and celebrity momfluencer Danica Sotto who regards Chickenjoy as only the best for her family.
Watch them give Chickenjoy a 5-star rating below:
“The crispylicious, juicylicious, and Philippines’ best-tasting Chickenjoy has everything one would look for in fried chicken. With its 5-star attributes, Chickenjoy will always be something that people will keep coming back to, and we are always happy to serve this all-time favorite that gives joy to our customers and their families all year-round,” said Mari Aldecoa, Assistant Vice President of Bestsellers, Jollibee.
Jollibee Chickenjoy is available nationwide for only PHP 82.00 (1-pc. Solo). Drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and indulge in Chickenjoy’s crispylicious, juicylicious, best-tasting goodness via dine-in, take out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, or Foodpanda!
Share your love for Chickenjoy with the hashtags #PhilippinesBestTasting and #Chickenjoy5Stars. For more information and updates on Jollibee’s products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Get ready, Manila’s food enthusiasts! A whole new level of dining luxury has just arrived at the City of Dreams, and it’s none other than the world-renowned Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill. This culinary titan is spicing things up with an exclusive grill concept, available only at their new location in Paranaque. Founders Wolfgang and Peter Zwiener, who graced the grand opening, have surely crafted another gem in the city’s gastronomic crown.
(L – R) Chef Amiro Cruz, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Corporate Executive Chef; Leina Bolinas and Raymund Magdaluyo, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Philippines Managing Partners; Peter Zwiener, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse President and Co-Founder; Elena Zwiener; Wolfgang Zwiener, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Founder; Lydia D’Amato, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse VP of Operations and Managing Partner; and Queeny Filart, City of Dreams VP of Casino Marketing
The Wolfgang’s Experience: Up Close and Personal
Stepping inside, you’ll be welcomed by the steakhouse’s intimate and cozy atmosphere. The rich, dark wooden interiors, radiating with an old-world charm, hold an invitation to a 350sqm culinary playground. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill City of Dreams is the first of its kind in the Philippines to showcase a grill concept, serving up new savory delights from brunch to late-night.
The grill menu, offer an elevated comfort food experience with all-time-favorites cooked with a twist, such as Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs, Dry-Aged Brisket Pastrami, Beef Tartar, and Grilled Lemon Caper Chicken. Pair them with a chilled beer or your favorite cocktail, and you’re in for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
More Than Just Steaks
The culinary carousel continues with a tasty bite of fall-off-the-bone Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Lomo Saltado, Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs. Salad offerings, the Classic Wedge Salad, Arugula Salad, and Burrata Salad, provide that crisp, tangy balance to your meal.
Grilled Barbecue Baby Back Ribs (Php 3588) | US pork baby back ribs glazed with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse BBQ sauce Burrata Salad (Php 1088) | Burrata cheese, tomato, roasted capsicums and portobello mushroomsRoast Chicken a’ la Brasa (Php 1588) |Whole premium chicken (hormones and antibiotics free), mixed greens
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse City of Dreams adds a new dimension to its trademark masculine ambiance. The bar area now boasts a sleek granite tabletop, a feature that seamlessly blends with the restaurant’s distinctive aesthetic. While new elements have been introduced, beloved iconic features like the intimate whisky lounge. And don’t miss the impressive wine cellar, where an extensive selection of wines awaits to complement your dining experience.
Culinary Consistency Across Continents
This City of Dreams gem marks the 32nd Wolfgang’s Steakhouse location worldwide. Amidst its global expansion, the steakhouse remains rooted in its commitment to delivering dishes with consistent flavor, texture, and aroma. Their melt-in-your-mouth steaks are a testament to quality and passion. Using only the finest ingredients, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse sources dry-aged USDA Prime Black Angus beef directly from the United States, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience. Indulge in the USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak, expertly dry-aged in their own aging room, or savor the iconic Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Tomahawk Steak. The team at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse City of Dreams—partners shares the same level of consistency and dedication, carrying on the legacy of its founder, Wolfgang Zwiener.
USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak
Beyond their grill specialties and iconic steaks, the menu goes beyond featuring a variety of delectable dishes. Expect lamb cooked to perfection, sashimi-grade tuna that melts in your mouth, fresh Norwegian salmon, and Maine lobsters that transport you straight to the seaside. Their All Day Menu serves as the perfect culinary overture, featuring classics like Creamed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Steak Fries, and Burger Sliders, plus the sumptuous Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Lobster Cocktails, and Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell. These small bites and appetizers set the stage, prepping your palate for the main event with their burst of flavors.
And just when you thought your meal couldn’t get any better, Wolfgang’s rolls out their dessert menu. A chorus of sweet treats awaits you, from the classic New York-Style Cheesecake, Pecan Pie to the tangy Key Lime Pie. For those who prefer a healthier option, there’s also an array of fresh fruits in season. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – every dessert is served with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse’s divine homemade schlag.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to a leisurely brunch, or enjoying a late-night feast, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse City of Dreams offers an unforgettable dining experience. So gather your loved ones, raise a toast to the good life, and let Wolfgang’s Steakhouse whisk you away on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill City of Dreams is open daily from 11:00AM to 2:00AM. To book your culinary journey, call 632 8536 9287, 63956 794 0075, or email reservations@wolfgangssteakhouse.ph. For a taste of Wolfgang’s at home, order here between 11:00AM and 8:00PM. Stay updated with the latest from Wolfgang’s by following @WolfgangsSteakhousePH on Facebook and Instagram.
The original Wolfgang’s Steakhouse opened on NYC’s Park Avenue back in 2004, and has since then grown into a globally renowned institution, famous for its USDA Prime 28 days dry-aged steak, to over 30 locations worldwide.
All Good Things Do Come to an End: Musica FEUROPA, Far Eastern University’s annual choral competition and festival will have its final run this year.
From just four choirs in 2009 mostly from the City of Manila, the number rose to an all time high of thirty one choirs hailing from all over the Philippines. What used to be a competition for college choirs expanded to two categories: High School and Open including but not limited to university, church, company, government and other ensembles.
Musica FEUROPA became one of the definitive choral competitions in the Philippines.
Tiffany Liong Gabuya, Station Manager of long-time media partner DZFE wrote: “We are all aware that the classical music tradition… which today is multi-national and multi-generational in its practice and appeal—has European roots.
In our work of fostering an appreciation for classical music, DZFE continues to support Musica FEUropa inasmuch as it remains one of the too few initiatives here encouraging the hard labor of studying and performing European repertoire. We have also seen how Musica FEUROPA fosters a spirit of patriotism and pride among the participating local choirs. All in all…, the competition has demonstrated the kind of good that can come of a sustained cross-cultural initiative.”
The key criterion for Musica FEUROPA is that each choir has to sing two songs: one from any EU composer in any EU language and one from a Filipino composer in any Filipino language or dialect.
In the last 13 years, choirs sang songs in different European languages such as Czech, Latvian, English, Basque, Spanish, Italian, Latin, German, Finnish, French, French-Flemish, Flemish, Hungarian, Lithuanian and Filipino languages such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Bisaya, Ifugao, Ilokano, Itneg, Kinaray-a, T’boli, Maguindanaoan, Yakan and Hiligaynon.
Through Musica FEUROPA, Filipino choirs and audiences have become more exposed and appreciative of the works of European and Filipino composers.
The impact of Musica FEUROPA is such that in the last 13 years, it has become one of the significant events in the Philippine choral calendar.
Musica FEUROPA definitely leaves a musical legacy when it ends after 14 years.
Musica FEUROPA 14 takes place from 1:30 -5 PM on May 27, 2023 at the historic Auditorium of Far Eastern University, Manila.
Tickets are at P100 for members of the FEU community, students in general and seniors and P200 for the general public.
The participating choirs for the final round of Musica FEUropa are the NU Chorale, PNU Chorale, SaSeSi, Kammerchor Manila, Tarlac Mannerchor and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo Chorale.
The adjudicators for this year are internationally recognized stalwarts in the choral industry: Anna Abeleda-Piquero, Arwin Tan, Dr. Ed Manguiat, Jonathan Velasco and Ramon Lijauco, Jr..
Follow Musica FEUROPA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Discover the epic new features of the Galaxy S23 series in unforgettable evening revels you surely won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in experiential content rooms, listen to the country’s top content creators, and get the chance to win the latest Galaxy devices.
Whatever you’re into, Epic After Hours definitely has something for you!
Experience Nightography at its finest
Immerse yourself and capture the night with the many experiential content rooms that you can explore. Three stations will be available to best experience the genius behind the Galaxy S23 series – from the Expert RAW app which enables DSLR-style image shooting to the multiple exposure feature for some cool and unique snaps for the ‘gram. You might even be featured at the event’s exclusive Shot #withGalaxy Gallery alongside top Filipino photographers!
A Nightography booth will also help showcase this incredible feature of the Galaxy S23 series. Nightography allows the Galaxy S23 series’ cameras to adjust to nearly any lighting condition for impeccable detail while low-light images and videos are steadier than ever, thanks to a doubled optical image stabilizer (OIS).
Move from behind the lens to in front of it thanks to award winning photographer JL Javier and take advantage of the opportunity to have your portrait taken professionally during the event. But if center stage isn’t for you, perhaps a little distance will be rewarding at the Zoom in to Win contest. Simply test out the stunning zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S23 Ultra which boasts 200MP by capturing photos of the stage from afar for the chance to win exciting prizes.
A celebration of epic passions
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series phones understand that creativity takes many different forms, which is why various passion booths for self-expression, gaming and productivity will be on-site.
If you’re more of a gamer, check out the gaming lounge to experience the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor and game booster to take on the night your way. As the most powerful and efficient platform ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the fastest available today. At the Creativity Hub, check out how the Galaxy S23 series allows your artistic skills to shine – with the S Pen drawing feature.
Join the epic movement for sustainability
The Galaxy S23 series was designed with the planet in mind so Samsung is continuing this important conversation on sustainability through this station. Check out famed artist and environmental advocate Leeroy New’s immersive art installation and watch the live sustainability themed mural painting session. You may also visit the Trade-in-Station to make that switch to a greener planet.
The Galaxy S23 series not only raises the bar for premium technology but it also helps contribute to a healthier planet. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 12 internal and external components made from recycled materials, including pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, PET bottles and water barrels.
Epic Guests
Throughout the week-long event, expect to see special appearances from #TeamGalaxy, with content creators talking about their passions and how the Galaxy S23 series helps them take these to another level. If all that wasn’t enough to convince you, you can also expect special performances throughout the week at epic after parties, from various artists beginning 7:00pm onwards!
Let your epic passions come alive at night at the Samsung Epic After Hours happening on May 25 to 31, 2023 at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre, Bonifacio Global City.
While I am more familiar with the music of BTS, I know just enough about each members personalities and the stories about who they are to know that the documentary ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ is a rare treat: a peek into the mind and heart of Suga, one of the more low-key members of the Korean supergroup. It’s an intimate and personal look into his process in the making of his album called D-Day through his alias Agust D.
While the documentary is really focused on the poetics: the work the artist has to go through in order to create – and in this case, it’s the time off from BTS that Suga got to do to work on finding inspiration to finish the songs on his album – and follows him through his travels to the US, Japan and back home in South Korea; there’s a whole lot more subtle textures that comes out from this movie.
For sure, we can be amazed by the sheer variety and star power of the people that Suga calls his friends – from Halsey, to DJ Steve Aoki, to Korean pop superstar IU, and even legendary Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto – but it’s good to also focus on how warm and friendly they are to each other and despite Suga’s fame as a member of BTS, there’s no posturing on his part nor does he ever carry himself in an arrogant manner. There’s a groundedness in him that carries through and is even subverted into that of a fanboy when he comes to meet Sakamoto, whom he considers one of his idols and was instrumental into becoming a songwriter.
The documentary is also sectioned off with song numbers. Suga sings songs from the new album with a live band (and some from his previous mixtapes), as well as candid interviews (the idol is actually “barefaced” or isn’t wearing makeup for half the documentary and it really shows us a totally different side of him), and while all of this is really there to help promote the release of the album and the upcoming tour, it is also one of the many pre-recorded content made to keep fans hooked in while BTS is in hiatus.
But despite its very commercial agenda, there is a sincerity that surrounds Suga in the way with which he ruminates over such topics as success and where one takes their creativity when they’ve reached the heights of where a person like Suga has gone. This is not a relatable subject. After all, how many people can compare themselves with the sort of success the young rapper has achieved over the past years? But there’s an earnestness in the way Suga presents himself and in the way the documentary unfolds that dismantles the myth and presents to us an artist trying to put together an album at an interesting crossroad in his life.
At this point in their career, BTS has broken records and captured the hearts of millions and millions of people around the world. They have nothing that they need to prove to anyone at this point but it is so encouraging to see in this documentary how hard Suga works in crafting this album and how tied this project is to his identity outside of the superstar idol group that has made him famous. It is so heartening to know that even successful people feel lost and that, as seen in one scene in the documentary, that it’s okay to just let loose and let go and have fun with it.
As a documentary, it is what we expect from a Disney+ produced and released documentary about a member of BTS, who is working on an album. It’s light. The stakes aren’t that high. It makes you feel good after watching it and if you’re a fan of the group, it’ll just endear them to you more and if you’re just curious about them, then it will help sink the hooks deeper in. But looking deeper, it’s really just an artist allowing himself to be vulnerable for an hour and twenty minutes while he’s at the height of his career and is trying to do something new and different and that’s what art is about.
